Lose Yourself In the Festive Spirit By Attending One Of These 7 Festivals In Pondicherry

India is a land of festivities and every state boasts of having a rich history and cultural heritage. Pondicherry, our very own French land also hosts some amazing festivals that you should definitely watch out for!

1. Pongal (14th January, 2018)

Pongal is the celebration of the new year which takes place in a lot of the Southern parts of India. It's celebrated with great pageantry in the whole of Pondicherry with all the residents helping create the most blissful of experiences. Like the Tamil New Year, it starts off by decorating the house in Kolam which is symbolic for new beginnings and is later celebrated by praying to the gods of sun and continued by wearing new clothes and eating delicious dishes with friends & family!

2. Tamil New Year (14th April, 2018)

The most beautiful thing about Pondicherry is the mix of its traditions, religions and cultures! Another important event that takes place in Pondicherry is Puthandu, or the Tamil New Year, which is celebrated all over the world by the Tamil descendents and their families. It's known to be the starting of the calendar year according to past Tamil historians, celebrated widely by cleaning the household and visiting friends and family!

3. Villianur Temple Car Festival (Mid May - Early June)

One of the Hindu traditions followed in Pondicherry, Villianur Temple Car Festival is celebrated in order to worship the lord Thirukameswar Kokilambal. It's known to be one of the most sacred of traditions whereby a lot of devotees gather around and pull the chariot from the local areas towards the main temple. The devotees also provide food such as buttermilk and rice in order to demonstrate their love and peace towards their fellow human beings and bestow their wishes upon them. 

4. Bastille Day (14th July, 2018) 

Pondicherry being the French Colony of India doesn't miss out on celebrating this extremely important event in both the hearts of the French and the local residents of Pondicherry. Also known as the National Day of France, Bastille Day is held in remembrance of all the soldiers that were killed in battle. This event demonstrates the respect between France and India, as the retired soldiers march the Pondy streets singing the Indian and French National Anthems. It's a great day in history to value the heritage left behind by the French and to celebrate a community of respect and admiration! 

5. Birth Anniversary of Sri Aurobindo (15th August, 2018) 

Sri Aurobindo Ghosh has made an impact in many lives and has continued shaping the perspectives and thoughts of his devotees and the public! Although his birth overlaps the Independence Day of India, the admirers of this great philosopher and sage are sure to commemorate him and celebrate the day of his birth as a blessing to the universe. This celebration holds an important place in Pondicherry’s heart and is celebrated in the Sri Aurobindo Ashram which is also one of the prominent tourist spots in the nation!

6. Fete De Pondicherry (15th - 17th August, 2018) 

Fete De Pondicherry is a 3 day celebration of  the freedom from French colonization in Pondicherry. The festivities are a portrayal of not only the peace & liberation but also the new government of the state. It's celebrated with a lot of performances ranging from dances to acts, as well as exhibitions and different types of competitions. The fete is sure to bring out the different traditional colours of Pondicherry by demonstrating its art and cultural heritage during these 3 joyous days! 

7. French Food Festival (Mid August)  

Because French food is such a blessing to the world, this festival is a must-attend in Pondicherry. The streets and towns here never fail to represent the elegance of France showcased in its gourmet traditions! Go gorge on all sorts of French delicacies like Soupe à L'oignon, Coq Au Vin Cassoulet etc. Happy gorging!

So plan your trip according to one of these festivals!